Last night’s 3-0 victory was a statement of intent to the Champions League as well as increasing their chances of qualification.

“That was a great evening and we needed a victory like that to take a step towards qualification, even if we know that the last game with Shakhtar will be decisive,” Pirlo told the official Juventus website.

“Beating the reigning European Champions gave us further belief in our own strength. We have always believed, but now we do even more.”

On Sunday Juve face a crucial Serie A clash too, as they go head-to-head with Pirlo’s former club.

“Facing Milan is special for me, but I just want Juve to win and continue playing like this. So far we have done well and Milan have had a few problems, but we only want to look at our own progress.”